Cal Poly Pomona
Computer Information Systems Dept.
Student Handbook
2012 - 2013
http://www.cba.csupomona.edu/cis/
(909) 869-3235
Building 164-1022
Computer Information Systems Advising Handbook, 2012-2013
Page 2
Table of Contents
Topic
Page Number
Welcome from the Chair
3
Career Opportunities in CIS
3
Computer Needs
4
Course Requirements
4-6
Ethical Issues
6
Academic Standards
‘Two Strikes’ Policy
Academic Holds
Repairing Your GPA
6-8
Academic Advising
Staff Advisor
Internship Advisor
8
CIS Student Organizations
MISSA, SWIFT, FAST
8-9
General Information
Course Prerequisites
Computer Labs
Email Accounts
Study Assistance
9-10
CIS Core Courses Flow Chart
11
Minor Overview
12
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Welcome
Welcome to the Computer Information Systems (CIS) department at Cal Poly,
Pomona. CIS is an option for the degree of business administration. The CIS
department participates in several graduate degrees including the MBA program
and a specialized Master’s Degree in Information Systems Auditing (MSBA).
The CIS program gives students a broad business foundation with a deep
specialization in information technology. Consequently, our students are highly
recruited by industry and have great earning potential. The CIS program has a
‘learn-by-doing’ approach to teaching where students participate in technologybased projects through service-learning, internships, and a mandatory group
senior project with industry.
When asked about our graduates, it is often said that they ‘hit-the-ground running’,
‘have a can-do attitude’, ‘are great team leaders’ and ‘are not afraid to work’.
Carlos Navarrete, Ph.D.
Department Chair, CIS
Career Opportunities in CIS
A CIS degree can lead to unlimited career opportunities. Cal Poly Pomona’s
combination of leading-edge technology and hands-on work experience makes
our graduates an extremely valuable resource. Our top students may expect
multiple offers, often from such companies as Hewlett Packard, Accenture, Intel,
IBM, and consulting organizations such as KPMG, Deloitte, E&Y and PwC.
One reason for our success is our advanced classes in Application Software
Development, Business Systems Analysis, Web Design, Information Assurance,
or Telecommunications and Networking.
A second reason is our internship program. Students are encouraged to get
work experience in the computer field while studying towards a CIS degree.
Internships often lead to career opportunities, whether directly, through a job
offer, or indirectly, through the networking opportunities that come from being in
the ‘real world’.
A third reason is our required Systems Development Project class (CIS 466).
Designed to be taken near the end of a student’s coursework, CIS 466 allows
students to gain real-world experience by working on real projects with industry
clients. The student teams manage all aspects of their chosen project, from the
analysis and design stage, all the way through implementation.
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Computer Needs
It is not really possible to get through the CIS curriculum without a computer.
Lab space is extremely limited. In addition, solving programming problems
seems to require lots of late night and weekend work. The CIS Department is a
PC based program. We currently recommend that the student who wants a
computer that will ‘last’ have at minimum 4GB of RAM and a hard drive of at least
100 gigabytes. In addition, an Internet connection will be needed, as much of the
software used in the courses is downloaded from the Internet.
The California State University has a system-wide contract with Microsoft. Many
Microsoft products are available to students, either free or at a discounted price.
The Bronco Bookstore has more information on the program. They can be
reached at (909) 869-3280. We also list on our department website additional
information
about
the
Microsoft
Academic Alliance
Program
at
http://cba.csupomona.edu/cis/
Laptops are not required in the CIS program. They can be useful, especially in
programming classes or as you move into the more group-project oriented
tracks.
Course Requirements for CIS Majors
CIS Core
The CIS core is a linked series of courses designed to introduce students to the
different aspects of the CIS field. Starting with Object-Oriented Programming,
and ending with the real world Systems Development Project, the core gives CIS
students a thorough grounding in Information Systems. A grade of ‘C’ or better is
required in each of these courses. Those students who fail to earn a ‘C’ or better
letter grade on the second attempt of enrolling in a core course will be required to
change majors. See the CIS Core Flow Chart in the Appendix for more details.
Advanced CIS Electives
The advanced CIS elective classes give students a chance to explore a
specialized field of CIS. All students are required to take four courses or 16 units
of advanced CIS electives.
Business Core
The Business Core is a general business education, shared by all in the College
of Business Administration. These courses not only give you skills for managing
a business, but also help you learn more about the needs of other areas. (It’s
much easier to design an accounting system when you know what accounting
is!)
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General Education
All students at Cal Poly Pomona must take 68 units of GE, at least 12 of which
must be taken at Cal Poly Pomona. This coursework is designed to help
students become more informed citizens of a diverse world. Students have the
choice of taking courses through the regular GE program, or, if they qualify,
through the Interdisciplinary General Education program (IGE). IGE is a
thematically linked series of courses that take approximately eight quarters to
complete. Students who transfer with GE Certification will receive credit for
lower-division GE coursework, but must still complete their upper-division GE
here at Cal Poly Pomona.
Electives
Elective units (up to 8 units) are only required when:


The Microcomputer Proficiency Test has been passed instead of taking
CIS101
A support class is used for GE purposes
Course Requirements for CIS Minors
Two minors are offered, one is Business Computer Programming and the other is
Managerial Computing. The Business Computer Programming minor provides
non-CIS students with the opportunity to acquire programming expertise in the
area of business applications program development. The purpose of this minor is
(1) to develop marketable skills for people with majors/options other than
Computer Information Systems, (2) for those students majoring in technical fields
that involve the use of the computer, and (3) for those students who wish to gain
a much better understanding of the computer for personal use.
The Managerial Computing minor provides non-CIS students with the opportunity
to acquire expertise in object-oriented analysis and programming concepts as
they are applied in the World Wide Web application development. The purpose of
the minor is (1) to develop marketable skills for people with majors/options other
than Computer Information Systems and (2) to give students a much better
understanding of World Wide Web application development.
See Minor Overview in the Appendix for more details.
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Ethical Issues
Plagiarism and Cheating
Plagiarism is taking another’s words, ideas, diagrams, or graphics, whether
partially or completely, without giving credit to the creator. Examples of
plagiarism may include:
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Taking another’s ideas and representing them as your own
Using another person’s words in your paper, including
paraphrasing
Copying and using another person’s images or computer code
Copying and using software that is registered to another person
Using programming code written by someone else
These are all plagiarism even if the other person has given or sold you the
material!
Plagiarism is wrong for many reasons. First of all, it is stealing, by violating the
other person’s copyright. Second of all, it is unethical. The person who did the
original work worked hard, and you should do the same. Third, plagiarism
defeats the purpose of education. When you are just regurgitating someone
else’s ideas, then you are not doing any learning. Being caught plagiarizing can
earn you an ‘F’ in a course, or even get you expelled from the University. There
are many books and websites that can explain just what is and isn’t plagiarism.
When in doubt, check first!
Cheating, whether on exams or class assignments, is also wrong. An incidence
of cheating will result in a grade of ‘F’ for the assignment and potentially for the
class. Further incidences may result in expulsion from the University.
Hacking
Hacking, or breaking into the computer systems of others, is unethical and illegal
behavior. It is not tolerated at Cal Poly Pomona. Students are subject to
University discipline, up to and including expulsion from the University.
Academic Standards
Students in the CIS program are expected to be self-starters and to work hard.
While the average college course requires two hours of work out of class for
every hour in class, CIS courses may require double to triple that amount of
work. In fact, students taking the introductory programming course, CIS 234, are
recommended to set aside at least 15 hours per week if they wish to succeed.
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As a quarter system school, Cal Poly courses move quickly. Students who get
behind will find it difficult to catch up. If you are having difficulties, you should
seek help and speak with one of the CIS advisors immediately.
“Two Strikes Policy”
The CIS Department requires that all students master the CIS core before
moving on to their track classes. Mastery is defined as earning a grade of ‘C’ or
better in EACH of the following: CIS 231,234, 304, 305, 307, 311, and 315. In
addition, students who fail to achieve a grade of ‘C’ or better in any of those
classes within two attempts, will no longer be allowed to take CIS courses, and
will be required to seek another major. Under this policy, a grade of ‘W’ (official
withdrawal) does not count as an attempt, but a grade of ‘WU’ (unofficial
withdrawal) does.
Academic Holds
While there are many potential reasons that a ‘hold’ may be placed on a
student’s record, there are four that must be dealt with through departmental
academic advising. For information on other holds, see the listing for ‘holds’
under the General Information section of this handbook or check with an advisor.

Failure to pass a CIS Core Class (Strike Hold)

Low GPA Standing (GPA > 1.99 and < 2.2)
In order to warn students who are at risk of falling into academic
probation, Cal Poly Pomona requires that all students whose GPA falls
within this range receive academic advising every quarter.

Academic Probation (GPA < 2.0)
Students whose GPA is less than 2.0 are at extreme risk of
disqualification. These students should see an advisor as soon as
possible to guide them into getting back into good standing.

Academic Disqualification
Academic disqualification means that your GPA is so low that you have
been expelled from the University, and are no longer able to take classes.
The GPA that triggers disqualification is a sliding scale, based upon the
number of units taken. Please see the information on Probation and
Disqualification in the University Catalog.
Repairing Your GPA
If your GPA is falling, or if you are having trouble in your classes, the first thing to
do is check with an advisor. There are several ways to boost your GPA, but you
must first acknowledge the problem and ask for help. Some solutions are:
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Repeat a failed course as soon as possible, preferably in the following
quarter.
Use repeat course units (up to 16) to delete bad grades from your GPA.
Improve your study and time management skills.
Look carefully at your schedule. Full-time work and full-time schooling
usually do not mix. Cut back on one or the other.
Look into using CIS Internship credit (up to 16 units) to improve your
overall/Cal Poly GPA. (Does not affect major GPA)
Take a balanced course load. A mixture of CIS, Business, and GE will be
most successful.
Take fewer classes at a time until you are able to raise (and maintain)
your GPA at a level of 2.2 or above.
Academic Advising
Academic Advising serves many purposes. Seeing an advisor can help you:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Stay on track with your coursework
Get referrals to other departments or services
Get assistance with petitions
Get advice on GE or other requirements
Stay up-to-date with changes in the major
Keep your grades up
Career Planning
Internship advice
Getting a job!
The College of Business Administration has a Student Success Center located
on the first floor of building 164, room 1060 that can answer most advising
questions.
If you have CIS specific questions, we have a faculty advisor and the department
chair available to assist you. In addition, full-time faculty may also act as career
advisors.
CIS Advisor: Professor Anna Carlin
In general, you should start your advising quest at the CBA Student Success
Center and then here.
She can be reached at (909) 869-3238 or at
acarlin@csupomona.edu
CIS Student Organizations
The CIS Department has four active student clubs. These are open to students
of all majors, and are an excellent source for friendship, networking, workshops,
projects, and especially FUN!
Activities for all clubs include meetings,
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workshops, speakers, and community activity. In addition, the clubs work
together on ‘inter-club’ activities throughout the year. Most activities are held
from Fall through Spring quarters. Active participation in clubs, especially service
on a committee or executive board, can be excellent resume material.
Management Information System Student Association (MISSA)
MISSA is one of the largest clubs on the Cal Poly campus. MISSA was formed
to benefit students by exposing them to IT professionals, computing workshops,
and social gatherings. The club is best known for its Information Technology
Competition, held each Spring. The competition allows students, both from Cal
Poly and from other universities, to compete in four areas of information
technology: Systems Analysis, Java Programming, Network Control, Security
and Forensics, and Web Development.
Students With an Interest in the Future of Telecommunications (SWIFT)
SWIFT fosters student interest in telecommunications. Some of the ways in
which SWIFT achieves this objective include: inviting speakers to Cal Poly to
discuss the latest technologies, industry practices, and career trends; organizing
field trips; assisting in campus telecommunications events such as the annual
Wireless Telecommunications Symposium; holding "hands-on" workshops on
such topics as building a wireless LAN, building a computer, and using the latest
network operating systems; and hosting social events, such as a frag night.
Forensics and Security Technology (FAST)
Forensics and Security Technology, FAST, is an organization of professionals
and students interested computer forensics and security. They offer a realistic,
hands-on environment where students can develop the skills needed to become
forensic examiners. Join FAST to explore the various career opportunities
offered within this new and rapidly emerging industry.
Interactive Web Development Student Association (IWDSA)
The goals of IWDSA are to provide an open environment and opportunity for
students to increase their knowledge in Web Development and to further develop
their skills and abilities through active involvement in organization events and
activities.
General Information
Course Prerequisites
The CIS department strictly enforces course prerequisites in CIS classes. To
add a CIS course, you must arrive to the first class on time. Professors may
issue a permission number for those students meeting the prerequisites to add
the class. It is the student’s responsibility to add the class in Bronco Direct by
the late registration deadline.
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If you feel that you have the prerequisites but Bronco Direct gives you a
prerequisite error when adding a class, email the department office at
cisdept@csupomona.edu with the CRN for the class that you are trying to add,
also indicate where and when you took the prerequisites. The department office
will check your records and if you do have the prerequisites, a permission
number will be issued to you.
Computer Labs
There are several computer labs located on campus for student use. Some are
open labs, meant for general word processing, Internet and email access.
Others are course or major specific and specialized software can be found there.
More information can be found at the CIS website and, for information on the
open labs, see http://www.csupomona.edu/~ehelp/computinglabs/index.shtml /.
Email Accounts
Cal Poly Pomona provides all students with free email and intranet accounts.
Account names normally consist of your first and middle initials, followed by your
last name and ‘@csupomona.edu.’ Should you have problems or forget your
password, contact the Instructional Technology and Academic Computing
Department located in the Building 1.
The CIS Department periodically sends out email announcements. To receive
these, you must activate and use your Cal Poly Pomona email account. If you
normally use another account, you may set your CPP email to forward by going
to http://www.csupomona.edu/~ehelp/email/faq.html and following instructions.
Please remember to reset your forwarding if you change accounts.
Study Assistance
Many students find that they need a little extra help in mastering certain
information. There are several ways to master difficult material:
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The CIS department has tutors available consisting of junior/senior CIS
students. Check with the department office on days and times for the
tutors.
Use the buddy system. Studying with a study group increases the
chances of success for everyone.
The Learning Resource Center has tutors available in various subjects.
Go to your professor’s office hours. Ask for help as soon as you start
having a problem.
Go to class. Be on time. Ask questions.
Study regularly. Knowledge in CIS cannot be crammed.
Get enough sleep.
Got any more questions? Ask an advisor or view the FAQ’s on the department
website.
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Brief Overview of Minors for 2012-13 Curriculum Year
Business Computer Programming Minor
COURSES FOR MINOR (32 units)
Prerequisite Courses:
CIS 101
ACC 207
CIS 310
MAT125
Introduction to Microcomputing
Financial Accounting for Decision-Making
Management Information Systems
Introductory Calculus for Business
Required Courses:
CIS 231
CIS 234
CIS 304
CIS 305
CIS 307
CIS 311
CIS 315
Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems
Object-Oriented Programming with Java
Intermediate Java Programming
Database Design and Development
Business Telecommunications
Interactive Web Development
Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design
Elective Courses (select two courses from the following):
CIS 284
CIS 338
CIS 406
CIS 424
(CIS 451
CIS 345
CIS 415
Programming with C++
Client/Server Application Development with Visual Basic
Rapid Systems Development
JAVA Programming for Business
E-commerce Application Development
OR
Data Modeling
OR
Advanced Object-oriented Systems Analysis and Design)
Managerial Computing Minor
COURSES FOR MINOR (32 units)
Prerequisite Courses:
CIS 101
ACC 207
CIS 310
MAT125
Introduction to Microcomputing
Financial Accounting for Decision-Making
Management Information Systems
Introductory Calculus for Business
Required Courses:
CIS 231
CIS 234
CIS 304
CIS 305
CIS 307
CIS 311
CIS 315
Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems
Object-Oriented Programming with Java
Intermediate Java Programming
Database Design and Development
Business Telecommunications
Interactive Web Development
Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design
Elective Courses (select two courses from the following list):
CIS 338
Client/Server Applications
CIS 421
Multimedia Applications on the Web
CIS 451
E-Commerce Application Development
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